The salt of the next generation :
AH, CREME DE LA crème !!
Ishara Jayawardane
Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage
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Sheshani Gunathilake, Island’s First
Commerce, Devi Balika, Colombo |
Upeksha Sewwandi,
Island’s First Arts,
Devi Balika, Colombo |
Samali
Liyanage,
Island’s First IT,
Devi Balika, Colombo |
They are remarkable achievers, truly exemplary. They are not merely
students who have done well, they are a symbol of hope for all students
who want to succeed in life. These three girls and two boys, they have
done their motherland proud as the future of this country.
Nothing impossible
“Finishing my practicals was a bit of a challenge for me. I worked
very hard and believed in myself and got together with my friends and
studied with them. My advice to others is that there is nothing that is
impossible or unattainable, anyone can come up to my standard. You need
to have confidence and self belief.
If complete the work given each day Advanced levels is not tough. Our
school teachers were very good, they taught us to the best of their
efforts and my family was there to support me,” said R S P Kasun
Lakmal,19,Island’s First in Bio Science stream. “For three subjects you
have to manage your time. That was a big challenge managing my time and
balancing everything. I used to spend a lot of time on practicals,
Especially in chemistry there was a lot to remember. More than the other
subjects there was a lot to remember in chemistry.
Enjoying studies
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Rusiru Gambheeraarachchi, Island’s First in Math, Rajapaksa
Central College,
Weeraketiya |
R S P Kasun Lakmal, Island’s First in
Bio Science, Rajapaksa Central College,
Weeraketiya
Picture courtesy:
Weeraketiya group correspondent |
However I did not treat the exams as a burden, I enjoyed doing my
three subjects. As a result of this I became Island’s First. My advice
to those sitting the exam is that the A/L are a very important part of
your life and it will determine who you will be. During this time do not
waste your time on unnecessary stuff, aim for your target and work
hard,” said Rusiru Gambheeraarachchi, 19, Island’s First in Mathematics.
“For me time was a little problematic. I attended extra classes. I
live close to school so in that sense so there was no travelling problem
in terms of time. I did the best I could do. I listened very close to
the teachers and asked questions and resolved them then and there. I
completed the work I did in class each day.
My advice is do what you are good at. Do what you do, to the maximum
of your efforts and do it happily. Do not do what others want you to do,
identify what you are good at and apply yourself. Meeting the president
was quite an experience I have no words to describe it. He gave us a lot
of advise,” said Sheshani Gunathilake, 19, Island’s First in Commerce.
“Before the exam the time factor was a challenge for me. I come to
school from Horana. I get into the bus at five in the morning and come
home at four. So it was rather tiring. The reason I came Island first,
was because I truly liked my stream and enjoyed it. Languages was my
favourite choice.
When you choose a stream you like, studying is enjoyable. My advice
to other students is do not succumb to external pressure. Choose a field
you like and be happy in what you do. If you do not do something you
like, you find it difficult to remember. Meeting the president is
something that does not happen everyday. It was a great honour,” said
Upeksha Sewwandi 19, Island’s First in Arts.
“I was the head prefect 2010/11 because of that I was sort of behind
work. I was a bit afraid that I was not ready. I was able to
successfully face the challenge because of the support of my teachers,
principal and parents. I came to school everyday. I sat for the last
term exam, I also took part in the revision classes.
I also did past papers. My advice is do the stream you enjoy. Do not
be diverted by external pressure and do something you like. You can go
for extra classes but your chief source of knowledge should come from
the school. Meeting the president was an unforgettable experience. It
was an honour to meet such a great leader,” said Samali Liyanage,
Island’s First in IT Stream. |